The Environment

The Caddo and Ouachita Rivers converge in Arkadelphia, providing a clean and ample supply of drinking water (don't forget, water is Arkansas' greatest resource). Although agricultural runoff over the years has taken some of the sparkle out, this was the first city in the "Natural State" to meet new EPA standards for purity. Watch groups and action caucuses keep the waterways fit for recreational activities. Air quality is only average, with smog and haze a serious "summer factor" (the old Reynolds Metal Co. factory was a major polluter, but the new recycling plant has been updated and no longer poses a threat to the environment). Conversely, on clear days, you can see the grand Ouachita Mountains 100 miles away.

Climate

Elevation   Avg.    Avg. Rain   Avg. Snow   Avg. Days   Avg. %

210'      High/Low  (Inches)    (Inches)      Rain      Humidity



Jan.       54/31        5          2.4         10          65

April      74/51       5.3         --          11          56

July       91/71       3.7         --           9          60

Oct.       77/51       50          5.5         10         60

YEAR       74/51       50          5.5         100         60

# of days 32 deg. or below:  64

# of days 90 deg. or above:  74

Winters are mild, although those North American air masses can bring in sudden but short cold spells. Major snow or ice storms check in every few years. Precipitation is pretty evenly divided.